Life Academy

A Christian PerspectiveThe Danger of Premature Conclusions In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug shares a timely reflection on how to navigate the rapid and dizzying changes happening in today's world. While it's tempting to predict how events will unfold, there is wisdom in recognizing that history cannot be fully understood while it's being lived. This episode invites listeners to embrace patience, trust in God's sovereignty, and find peace in the present moment, even when the future feels uncertain. Scan the QR code to listen now.

Life Academy | A Christian Perspective on the Pace of ChangeIn this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt examines the rapid pace of change in our government, cultural values, and world events from a Christian perspective. He reflects on how long periods of stability can suddenly give way to swift shifts, and he explores the biblical lens through which we can understand these unexpected spiritual changes in America. Scan the QR code to listen now.

A Christian Perspective | The Jordan Peterson PhenomenonIn this new audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt discusses The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon. This Canadian psychologist, best-selling author, and internet sensation has sparked intense debate across society. Pastor Doug provides a brief review on some of Peterson's books, evaluates his perspectives and spiritual journey, and examines his cultural impact. Scan to QR code to hear his perspective.

A Christian Perspective on a Window Into 2025The year 2024 has brought some dramatic developments to our world, but what will be the practical consequences of these events in the year ahead of us? And how can Christians pray intelligently and have a clear and accurate understanding of changes?

A Christian Perspective | The Danger of Flawed AssumptionsIn this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt reflects on two major news stories of 2024, examines how flawed assumptions led to costly mistakes, and explores the lessons we can learn from them. 

Life Academy | A Christian Perspective on a Disappointing ElectionAn important national election is just around the corner. If the polls are accurate, roughly half of Americans will be satisfied with the results, while the other half may feel disappointed—or even worse. How can we emotionally and spiritually prepare for the outcomes ahead? And how can we find a way to live together as a nation that feels so divided? Pastor Doug Pratt shares his insights in this new audio podcast.

A Christian Perspective on the Blessing of Letting Go. With the recent stunning announcement of the President's withdrawal from his re-election campaign, Americans have been reminded of the difficult transitions and losses that can come in life. At any time, millions of people are dealing with the same essential challenge as the President: how do you let go of something (or someone) that has been central in your life, and find a blessing and a positive new experience after that loss?

The eyes of the world are on the Olympic Games in Paris. This year's Olympiad is the centennial anniversary of a remarkable competition in 1924. Two British Olympic runners won gold medals, and their stories are the focus of the Oscar-winning film "Chariots of Fire". One of them was a true Christian hero.

In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt identifies a troubling trend in our society as various groups who gain power and influence attempt to enforce their preferred viewpoints upon others. He also looks at how their actions are contrary to the spirit of freedom and tolerance in our country's founding documents, and violate of the ethics of the New Testament.

Part 2 of Pastor Doug Pratt's podcast addresses two profound doubts that have been expressed about Christianity: (1) If God is all-powerful and loving, why do people suffer? (2) If there is a God, why doesn't He reveal Himself more obviously to everyone?  Visit the Life Academy for this exploration of reasons for faith. (For further reading on these and other related questions, see our Book of the Year “Is God Real?” by Lee Strobel.

Pastor Doug Pratt's podcast addresses two profound doubts that have been expressed about Christianity: (1) If God is all-powerful and loving, why do people suffer? (2) If there is a God, why doesn't He reveal Himself more obviously to everyone?  Visit the Life Academy for this exploration of reasons for faith. (For further reading on these and other related questions, see our Book of the Year “Is God Real?” by Lee Strobel.

We get comfortable in the bodies we inhabit. Even when they don't work right or cause pain, they're still ours and we love and care for them. But the Bible calls the human body a "tent". And what is a tent but a temporary dwelling that is fragile and cannot last? For all of us that destination is unavoidable, no matter how diligent we are at self-care. One day our tent is folded up and is no more. And then what? Pastor Doug Pratt offers intriguing evidence about our ultimate future in the audio podcast ‘A Christian Perspective on the Moment After You Die.

National news media have discovered that evangelical Christians are significant subculture in our society, and that their votes can male a big difference. Many journalist have criticized those evangelicals who have supported former President Donald Trump as being hypocritical because of his known personal flaws. Pastor Doug Pratt seeks to understand the political mindset of biblically-centered Christians in his new podcast " A Christian Perspective on Evangelicals in the Voting Booth".

Why do things so often go wrong? Why do our best-laid plans so often go awry or produce unintended consequences? The problem is not necessarily a lack of brain power. The challenges of human life go deeper than that. Pastor Doug Pratt offers his insights into our continual challenges in the audio podcast “A Christian Perspective on Smart People Making Dumb Choices.

The pursuit of happiness is part of our nation's founding document, assuming this is what every person wants. But achieving a state of perfect happiness is elusive. Author Arthur Brooks in a new book offers some powerful insights into how we can become happier in our life. Pastor Doug Pratt offers a review and his own assessment of this universal and timeless issue.

A Christian Perspective on the Sources of Anti-Semitism” by Pastor Doug Pratt.  Since the terror attack on Israel in early October, Americans have been surprised to see so many vitriolic protests and at times violent attacks on Jews, both in our country and around the world. Where does this hatred come from, and why is Israel (which was clearly the victim of Hamas) being treated as the cause of the Gaza conflict? Pastor Doug explores the roots of anti-semitism, a problem that dates back thousands of years.

Pastor Doug Pratt offers his future vision for America in “A Christian Perspective on the Salvation of the Republican and Democratic Parties”.

Pastor Doug Pratt addresses the void in national leadership that we see in our nation's political parties, and why our current political system has led us to such troubling and polarizing results.

The saying is that life sometimes imitates art. When Hurricane Ian's destructive winds and waves struck Florida, life provided a dramatic confirmation of a story told almost 2,000 years ago by the world's greatest storyteller. Pastor Doug Pratt shows the connection in this latest podcast. Audio only.

Pastor Doug Pratt offers a commentary on the tendency in human conflicts to ratchet up the level of engagement with opponents—to the level of mutual destruction. He offers thoughts on an alternative way to handle conflict... a way that reduces the inter-personal tension and mutual escalation.

A sad reality of human nature is that even smart people can make illogical choices and have inconsistent opinions. Jesus warned us to take the log out of our own eyes before we try to remove the speck out of someone else's, but we often ignore that wisdom. We judge other people but fail to see the flaws in our own views. In this episode, Pastor Doug Pratt identifies the morally-flawed and rationally-compromised views of many of our contemporaries in this relevant look at controversial issues.

True democracy is built on continual competition between different ideas, policies, and values. In this audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt examines the spirit of a competitive democracy, ways in which it is being violated in America, and the cause of the “sore loser culture.” Audio only.

Although no longer in the public spotlight, the people in Ukraine are still living in a war zone. How are we, as Christians, to understand its horrors and the ripple effects felt across the globe? In this podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt examines the many intricacies of the Ukraine war and offers his perspective on the source of darkness in today's world. Audio only.

In this audio podcast, Pastors Doug Pratt and June Barrow express their perspectives on the emotionally charged topic of abortion. Although a contemporary subject, its core choice takes us back to the moral foundation of the Christian Church. Are reproductive rights simply a positive spin on a tragic decision? Does personal freedom outweigh the sanctity of life? Audio only.

Pastor Doug Pratt explains how the principles that have helped make America great are built on the assumption of meritocracy—that those who are best equipped, skilled, and suited shall be elevated to positions of influence. Current trends threaten this philosophy in many areas of our national life. Are meritocratic principles consistent with the Bible and should they be reaffirmed in our generations?

Pastor Doug Pratt takes a tentative, but faith-filled look into the future of our nation. In Part 1 we looked at America's current internal struggles and its place in the world. Now we evaluate the spiritual and moral climate of our country and the place of the Christian church within it. This thought-provoking and challenging series will stretch your understanding of the past, present, and future.

Is America Doomed? In this new audio podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt takes a tentative, but faith-filled look into the future for our nation. He evaluates America's place in the world and its internal struggles. This thought-provoking and challenging series will stretch your understanding of the past, present, and future.

The Failings of the Church How do Christians make sense of the recent struggles and failings of so many churches and prominent Christian leaders? How are we to function as the people who call ourselves by the name of Jesus in an increasingly secular and hostile cultural environment? Pastor Doug Pratt addresses these concerns in this heartfelt podcast.

Woke March of Folly In this podcast, Pastor Doug Pratt explains the fundamental flaws of the current ideologies that oppose the Christian worldview and have had such negative effects upon the western world of the 21st century.

Hell and Heaven. What happens to us after death? The Bible gives us a number of clues, and great thinkers have offered their opinions. Pastor Doug Pratt helps us organize our thoughts about these issues. 

Hell and Heaven. What happens to us after death? The Bible gives us a number of clues, and great thinkers have offered their opinions. Pastor Doug Pratt helps us organize our thoughts about these issues. 

America's Spiritual Landscape Part 2 – Pastor Doug Pratt discusses the current condition of the church in an increasingly post-Christian culture. He reviews the book Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher, and offers his perspectives on the difficulties and the opportunities the American church is facing.

America's Spiritual Landscape Part 1 – Pastor Doug Pratt discusses the current condition of the church in an increasingly post-Christian culture. He reviews the book Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher, and offers his perspectives on the difficulties and the opportunities the American church is facing.

How should an American Christian view our nation—its history, its values and its current problems? How do we respond to critics who wish to fundamentally change our nation and its values? Pastor Doug Pratt speaks about what it means to be a Christian and a patriot.

Pastor Doug Pratt looks back into our nation's history and two men that are true heroes and role models.

Regarding parenting, they say that the days are long but the years are short. Join Pastor Su in this 4-part series and learn how focusing on Christ and His redemptive work in our lives can help us make the most of the time that we have with our children.

Regarding parenting, they say that the days are long but the years are short. Join Pastor Su in this 4-part series and learn how focusing on Christ and His redemptive work in our lives can help us make the most of the time that we have with our children.

Regarding parenting, they say that the days are long but the years are short. Join Pastor Su in this 4-part series and learn how focusing on Christ and His redemptive work in our lives can help us make the most of the time that we have with our children.

Regarding parenting, they say that the days are long but the years are short. Join Pastor Su in this 4-part series and learn how focusing on Christ and His redemptive work in our lives can help us make the most of the time that we have with our children.

We are told in 1 Corinthians that we can “have the mind of Christ,” but many Christians do not. In this 2-part series, Dr. Al Barrow helps us consider how we can develop the mind of Christ by drawing from Scripture and well-established psychological principles.

We are told in 1 Corinthians that we can “have the mind of Christ,” but many Christians do not. In this 2-part series, Dr. Al Barrow helps us consider how we can develop the mind of Christ by drawing from Scripture and well-established psychological principles.

In this two-part series, Pastor Allen explores how we can set others, and ourselves, free from the soul-numbing shackles of guilt and grudges. The heart of the Christian life, the source of a joyous spirit, and the secret to healthy relationships require that we learn and practice this divine gift of receiving forgiveness, and extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

In this two-part series, Pastor Allen explores how we can set others, and ourselves, free from the soul-numbing shackles of guilt and grudges. The heart of the Christian life, the source of a joyous spirit, and the secret to healthy relationships require that we learn and practice this divine gift of receiving forgiveness, and extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

One of the primary goals for a disciple of Christ is to grow more into His likeness. In Discipleship: Learning How to Follow Jesus, Pastor Steven Grant challenges us to examine and reflect on how we can authentically go where the Master leads.

One of the primary goals for a disciple of Christ is to grow more into His likeness. In Discipleship: Learning How to Follow Jesus, Pastor Steven Grant challenges us to examine and reflect on how we can authentically go where the Master leads.

One of the primary goals for a disciple of Christ is to grow more into His likeness. In Discipleship: Learning How to Follow Jesus, Pastor Steven Grant challenges us to examine and reflect on how we can authentically go where the Master leads.

One of the primary goals for a disciple of Christ is to grow more into His likeness. In Discipleship: Learning How to Follow Jesus, Pastor Steven Grant challenges us to examine and reflect on how we can authentically go where the Master leads.

One of the primary goals for a disciple of Christ is to grow more into His likeness. In Discipleship: Learning How to Follow Jesus, Pastor Steven Grant challenges us to examine and reflect on how we can authentically go where the Master leads.

There is great blessing when Christians seek to determine the will of God, and live in it, but how does one come to recognize the “still, small voice” of God? In this 5-part series with Pastor Brad Rogers we will define what spiritual discernment is and explore four instruments that enable us to hear the melody of God's leading in our lives.

There is great blessing when Christians seek to determine the will of God, and live in it, but how does one come to recognize the “still, small voice” of God? In this 5-part series with Pastor Brad Rogers we will define what spiritual discernment is and explore four instruments that enable us to hear the melody of God's leading in our lives.

There is great blessing when Christians seek to determine the will of God, and live in it, but how does one come to recognize the “still, small voice” of God? In this 5-part series with Pastor Brad Rogers we will define what spiritual discernment is and explore four instruments that enable us to hear the melody of God's leading in our lives.